Tom Horne, who has served as Valparaiso University's head football coach since 1989, has announced his resignation for personal reasons, effective immediately. The University has begun the search process for a successor.

?On behalf of the University, I want to thank Coach Horne for his longstanding years of service and the championships that he brought to our program," said Mark LaBarbera, VU's Director of Athletics. ?We want to wish him well in his future endeavors."

In his 16 seasons at Valpo, Horne guided the Crusaders to two Pioneer Football League Championships (2003, 2000). The 2003 title was the first outright PFL crown for Valpo. The 2000 championship marked the school's first conference title in 32 years. Horne was honored as the 2003 PFL North Coach of the Year and the 1999 PFL Coach of the Year.

Since making the move to I-AA, Valpo has won 62 games. During his tenure at Valpo, Horne compiled a 67-101-1 record.

A six-time coach of the year at the collegiate level, Horne also served as the head coach at Joliet (Ill.) Junior College (1986-88) and Iowa Wesleyan College (1982-84).